The Potcake Place also facilitates up to 500 adoptions a year for locals and people overseas. For those visiting the island, visitors can also get in on the puppy fun and take the pups to nearby beaches in hopes to become “socialized” before they partner with a local family.

Parker-Rauw went on to say that many of the puppies they come across “haven’t been touched by people before,” and at times experience abuse on the streets and says it’s “not an excursion” as all of it is solely for the benefit of the dogs.

Since letting animals spend time with tourists, the founder has seen a dramatic difference in dogs at the shelter, saying, “We would get a puppy...who would come in obviously scared of people and after we send them out, you'll suddenly see a puppy who was once cowering in a corner as soon as the door opens, they’re now up wagging their tail, greeting people.”

Potcake Place also helps the pups prepare for leash training and potty training.